BLACK WILLOW (Salix nigra, Marsh). 50 to 100 feet. 

 Spreading, round-headed tree, usually of several stout branches 

 rising near the ground from the short trunk; twigs slender, 

 reddish, smooth, often snowy pubescent when young. Buds 

 small, pointed. Bark shaggy, dark-brown ridges, with orange 

 color showing in the shallow fissures; surface flaky. Wood 

 pale brown, weak, soft, close-grained, used for charcoal. 

 Leaves narrowly lanceolate, often sickle-shaped, finely saw- 

 toothed, short-stemmed, with a pair of semi-cordate stipules 

 at base, sometimes persistent, sometimes wanting, both sides 

 bright green, thin with pale pubescence on the veins only, be- 

 neath, often lacking. Length 3 to 5 inches. Flowers dioe- 

 cious, in catkins, with leaves, in short, lateral twigs. Fruit 

 in racemes, the ovoid capsules containing minute, hairy seeds. 

 Dist.: Stream borders and lake shores, all regions east of 

 Rocky Mountains; also in mountainous regions of California, 

 but rare. Largest and most conspicuous native willow of the 

 eastern half of North America. 



56 



